Refn Courtyard Cafe, Redfern

If I hadn’t been on a mission to find this little cafe, I never would’ve stumbled across it. Located just off of Redfern St and flanked by terrace houses, Refn blends into its surroundings. It’s that time of semester where you need at least one coffee before even being able to think about going to class and so here I was, strolling through Redfern with Google Maps out, looking for this place.

The front room is tiny but luckily there’s a slightly bigger courtyard out the back. Think Devon Café-style space division. Two blackboards are mounted on the wall, one with “my favorite movies” and the other with “before I die I want to…” Beside each board are some markers for you to add your own opinions, which is pretty rad. A little money figurine sits on top of the tip jar asking for change to “rule the world”. Multicolored metal plant pots decorate the courtyard and also hanging on the wall is a board accurately describing the week.

Steak sandwich ($10)

There is a small breakfast and lunch menu here, encompassing standard items such as bacon and egg rolls, BLATs, and veggie burgers. I, however, went straight for the steak sandwich. A thin steak in between toasted slices of sourdough with tomatoes, salad, and so many caramelized onions (something I’ve grown to love recently). As always, I turn it into two open-faced sandwiches because it’s much easier for me that way. There’s freshly squeezed juices available, but if your eyes are saggier than a limp burlap sack, get a long black. That’ll wake you up.

It’s a welcoming area and as soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the friendly owners who are happy to help you out with menus. Off the beaten track, Refn lets you enjoy a simple meal in peace. For those who spend a lot of their day in offices or classrooms, it’s a bit of suburbia you can enjoy during the daylight hours.

Refn Courtyard Cafe
55 George St
Redfern NSW 2016
Website